Thousands of people register for Mersey Gateway tolls in first week

Thousands of people register for Mersey Gateway tolls in first week

MORE than 9,000 people have registered for Mersey Gateway tolls using the merseyflow website, walk-in centre and call centre with the number growing every day.

Since opening for registrations at 8am on Monday, July 17, 6,810 people have registered online, 1,277 people have registered at the walk-in centre, 924 people have registered over the phone and 14 have registered by post.

The merseyflow tolling system is being operated by emovis.

Anthony Alicastro, chief executive officer of company, said: “We have seen a huge number of registrations, which is great news.

"It means our message about getting ready for when the new bridge opens is getting through.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience during this first week. It’s been a busy time as we get up and running.

“We have welcomed a huge number of people at our Runcorn walk-in centre.

“I’d like to remind people that the quickest and easiest method to register is online using our website merseyflow.co.uk."

Drivers can also phone the call centre on 01928 878878 or visit the walk-in centre at 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn.

There is also a temporary registration service at the Halton Direct Link on Brook Street in Widnes which will run until the end of August.

The opening hours for the Runcorn walk-in centre and call centre are from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Registering is the only way to get discounts on journeys across the Mersey, or if you qualify, free travel across the bridges.

Anyone who is eligible for the Halton residents’ discount scheme must register and pay their £10 annual fee in order to claim their free trips.

It will still be possible to cross the bridges without registering but drivers will have to pay the full unregistered toll fee which is £2 per car per crossing, with additional charges for larger vehicles.

Blue Badge holders will also be able to register for unlimited travel on the bridges after providing copies of the front and back of their Blue Badge and paying a one-off £5 admin fee.

Once registered, drivers will receive a merseyflow sticker to place in the registered vehicle’s windscreen.

This sticker means the vehicle will be recognised when motorists travel across the new bridge, and will ensure drivers do not receive a penalty charge notice – as long as there are funds in their account.

The new bridge is expected to open this autumn.

When it opens the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be closed to road traffic for up to 12 months while it is refurbished but will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

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